It's time to turn our attention to the Regatta

June is quickly coming to a close. That means the Madison Regatta Festival is near. Events begin this weekend and run through race weekend on July 5-6.

For a complete guide to the festival's activities be sure to check out our special section in Saturday's Courier.

Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment - from sports-related activities such as the Madison Courier's Firecracker 10K run/walk to just plain fun events such as the waterball fight and lots of music on the riverfront.

The week-long festival affords each of us a chance to get out and enjoy the fun, meet our neighbors and welcome visitors.

Regatta officials, volunteers and the city have worked hard to make the Regatta family entertainment. They deserve our support.

While all of the events are terrific, we're especially proud of the Madison Courier Firecracker 10K Run/Walk which is celebrating its 36th anniversary.

The event draws hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages. Entry forms are available at The Madison Courier, in the newspaper and at the Courier Online at www.madisoncourier.com.

The cancellation of last year's boat racing due to unfavorable weather conditions has some considering not purchasing admission wristbands in advance.

We encourage those planning to attend to go ahead and purchase tickets. The chance of the racing schedule being canceled is highly unlikely.

A general admission wristband is $25 for the racing on Saturday and Sunday in addition to several other events. Children 10 and under are admitted free.

A lot of people have put in hundreds of hours to make the Regatta one of the premier summer events in Indiana.

Show your support for the Regatta and the city by enjoying some or all of the events.